Snowy Japanese City Launches Project to Build Model Snow-Cooled House

The city of Uonuma in Niigata Prefecture announced on August 1, 2010, that it is publicly seeking applicants for its subsidy program to help cover the cost of building a cozy eco-friendly model house that will utilize snow as its cooling source. The equipment and facilities eligible for the subsidy are a snow storage room, as well as an air conditioner, low-temperature room, and a refrigerator using the stored snow. The city will subsidize costs up to a maximum of three million yen (about U.S.$33,708).

"Snow cooling energy" is identified as one of the new energy sources to be actively promoted by the government under Japan's Law Concerning Special Measures to Promote the Use of New Energy (New Energy Law). By storing the snow accumulated during winter and the ice made outside during cold weather until the warmer season, when cooling is needed, the cooled air and cold water from melted snow can be used for air-conditioning buildings and chilling agricultural products.

Some of the beneficial features of the snow-cooling system are that it maintains moderately cool temperatures, unlike conventional air conditioners; it absorbs moisture, dust, and smells in the rooms; the cold snow storage room serves for various purposes; it reduces electricity bills for cooling equipment in summer; and the snow is always at hand to enjoy.

Posted: 2010/11/21 06:00:15 AM